What Healthy Eating Looks Like Around the World

Kimchi, Kombucha, Seaweed, Jujube fruit, Green Tea, Tofu, Miso, Matcha, Natto, Ginseng, Pu’ehr tea, Coconut water, Bone broth, Palm sugar

Following my deep dive into Kombucha, I wanted to explore time-honored superfoods from around the world with the help of a few friends who live abroad.  These time-honored superfoods aren’t just flavorful—they’re functional, offering benefits that range from gut health to glowing skin.  As wellness goes global, we at Rooted Health are diving into the coolest traditions worth considering for part of your daily routine.  

Let’s talk kimchi!

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables, most famously Napa cabbage and Korean radish seasoned with a mix of chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and often seafood based ingredients.  And get this, kimchi has been around for 2000 years!!

Health benefits: 

1. Gut health

2. Immunity boost

3. anti-inflammatory 

4. Rich in antioxidants 

5. Weight management 

6. Heart health 

**Some research even suggests that fermented kimchi can help regulate blood sugar and support brain health!!

How about seaweed! Tapping into the power of the ocean, seaweed is emerging as a must-have superfood for vibrant health, balanced energy, and natural vitality. 

Seaweed is quite the opposite of a weed as the name might imply and is incredibly nutrient dense!!  It offers so many health benefits and is a star in the world of superfoods.

Health benefits:

1.  Packed with vitamins and minerals 

2. Provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids great for the heart and brain

3. One of the best sources of iodine so supports thyroid function 

4. High in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals reducing oxidative stress and inflammation 

5. Promotes gut health as it is rich in pre-biotic fibers and may improve digestion, enhance immune function, and even improve your mood!

6. May help regulate blood sugar 

Seaweed….just one more reason to love the ocean!

Next on our journey, meet jujube fruit….rooted in ancient tradition and rich in natural healing, this fruit with the cool name offers a sweet, nourishing path to deeper wellness. 

Jujube is more than just a fun name.  It’s a small, round fruit native to southern Asia, particularly China.  Also known as red date or Chinese date, fresh jujubes are crisp like apples and then become like a candy or dried fig as they dry.  

Health Benefits: 

1. Immune support with a high vitamin C and antioxidant load

2. Sleep aid and relaxation - famous for calming the mind, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep by influencing serotonin and GABA neurotransmitter- show me to the nearest jujube store!!

3. Digestive health

4. Skin health - protects against skin aging.  Another big plus!!

5. Blood health - can help prevent/treat anemia

And just because you read this far, here’s a bonus Jujube Energy Ball Recipe (sleep and skin glow booster)

• 1 cup dried jujubes

• 1/2 cup raw almonds

• 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon cacao powder 

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1-2 tablespoons water 

  
  

Instructions:

1. Pit the jujubes

2. Pulse almonds until finely chopped

3. Add jujubes, coconut, chia, cacao powder, cinnamon, and sweetener

4. Blend until stick and clumps together 

5. Roll into small bite sized balls and store in airtight container for up to 1 week

6. Store in airtight container in fridge for up to a week

Stay tuned for more to come from Around The World…….